EXPRESSION OF THE APOPTOSIS-RELATED GENES, CASPASE-1, CASPASE-3, DNA FRAGMENTATION FACTOR, AND APOPTOTIC PROTEASE ACTIVATING FACTOR-I, IN HUMAN GRANULOSA-CELLS

Objective: To investigate protein and messenger RNA expression product s for a subset of apoptosis-related genes in human granulosa cells. De sign: In vitro experiment. Setting: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecolo gy, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Me dical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Patient(s): Women undergoing oocy te retrieval for IVF after ovulation induction with gonadotropins. Int ervention(s): Granulosa cells were isolated from follicular aspirates after oocyte removal. Main Outcome Measure(s): Reverse transcription p olymerase chain reaction and Western blotting for apoptosis-related ge ne products. Result(s): The expression of caspase-1, caspase3, DNA fra gmentation factor, and apoptotic protease activating factor-1, which a re intermediate molecules in phylogenetically conserved apoptotic path ways, was demonstrated in granulosa cells from patients undergoing IVF . Moreover, proforms, but not activated enzymes, for both caspase-1 an d caspase-3 were observed. Conclusion(s): Granulosa cells from patient s undergoing IVF have intrinsic apoptotic machinery that could be acti vated for tissue remodeling. (Fertil Steril(R) 1998;70:549-52. (C) 199 8 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).